The bulbs' light, which is more intense than traditional incandescent bulbs, also can exacerbate eczema and other skin problems, The Daily Telegraph reported Saturday.

An estimated 340,000 people could be harmed if the British government phases out incandescent bulbs by 2011, as planned, without allowances for light-sensitive medical conditions, warned the British Association of Dermatologists and the Migraine Action Association.

"The government simply must allow incandescent light bulbs to be available to these people, their families, friends and employers, and at a fair price," said Dr. Colin Holden, president of the dermatologists' association.